Abstract
Background: T helper 1 (Th1) lymphocytes produce interferon γ (IFNγ), favouring cell mediated immunity; Th2 cells secrete interleukin-4 (IL-4), favouring humoral immunity. Cytokines produced in sepsis may effect Th subset predominance and subsequent immune responses. Methods: We measured Th subsets in ten patients with severe sepsis, seven APACHE II score-matched non-septic critically ill control patients, and ten healthy subjects. Mononuclear leukocytes were isolated and Th subsets identified by flow cytometry. Results: The median (range) Th1/Th2 ratio was 0.46 (0.2–2.5) in patients with sepsis, which was significantly lower than both non-septic controls (median 2.5 (0.2–5.9), p = 0.050) and healthy subjects (median 3.9 (1.2–10.8), p = 0.01). Conclusions: In patients with sepsis, Th2 antibody mediated (humoral) immune responses predominate. This type of response may lead to fibroblast activation and ultimately immunosuppression. Modulation of Th cell subset predominance may present a novel therapeutic option in the treatment of severe sepsis.
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Received: 26 May 1998 Final revision received: 9 October 1998 Accepted: 16 October 1998
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Ferguson, N., Galley, H. & Webster, N. T helper cell subset ratios in patients with severe sepsis. Intensive Care Med 25, 106–109 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1007/s001340050795
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s001340050795